Mathematical and physical simulation of the interaction between a gas jet and a liquid free surface

In this work a two phase 3D mathematical model was developed using the volume of fluid (VOF) algorithm, which is able to accurately describe the cavity geometry and size as well as the liquid flow patterns created when a gas jet that impinges on a liquid free surface. These phenomena are commonly found in steelmaking operations such as in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) where oxygen jets impinge on a steel bath and they control heat, momentum and mass transfer. The model was successfully validated with measurements made on a physical model through velocity fields obtained by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and high speed camera images of the cavity. Agreement between model predictions and experimental measurements is excellent in both x-velocity component of the liquid and cavity sizes. The cavity formed in the liquid by the impinging jet depends on a force balance at the free surface where the inertial force of the jet governs this phenomena, while the liquid circulation depends on also the jet inertial force of the jet, but its angle plays an important role, being the lowest angle the best choice to shear the bath and promote stronger circulation and better mixing in the liquid. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.